The Brookhaven leader., 1887-04-14
RETALIATION.
he President Addresses d Letter 90 the
Massachusetts Ffshermen on the subject
OF RetaIiation=Sew England Excited.

he President Addresses d letter 20 the
Massachusetts Ffshermen on the subject
Of RetaIiation-=Sew England Excited.
WAGniSGToS, April 9s-The President,
having received d communication from the
American Fisheries Union Of Massachu'
setts. calling attention 70 the fisheries dis
pute and suggesting that the Retallatory
act, passed by the last Congress would, In
their opinion. be sufficiently executed II the
proposed retaliation was confined TO the
closing Of United States markets 70 Cana
dinn fish products; has made the following
answer.
george Steeis Esg, f'rr.ident AU1<rio0n FtsheriSs
Union, and O'hSTs GiOuoesteT. 17'':
EXECUTIVE MANSION, WASHINGTON, Hy-il T.
--Gentlemen: Ihave received your letter lately
addressed IL me and have given full cOnsidera-
ton to the expression OF the views and wishes
therein contained in relation 70 the existing
differences between the Governments OF Great
Britain and the United STATES. growing out OF
the refusal 70 award TO our citizens engaged IN
fishing enterprises Inc privileges to which they
are entitled either under treaty stpulations
OF the guarantees OF international comfy
and neighbory concessions. s'Deerely
trust the apprehension you express OF unjust
and unfriendly treatment Of American fisher
men lawfully found in Canadian waters will not
be realized. But II such apprehension should
no fault or incOnsiderate action Of any OF our
sitIy.ps viii in the least " AIKEN the just post
ton Of our Government, or deprive Us OF the
universal sympathy ard support 70 when We
should be entitled.
The action OF this administration since June,
1875. when the fishery articles OF the treaty OF
1871 were terminated under the notification
which had two years bC:crs been given by our
Governu ent. has been fully diss -sed by the
hot
and the appropriate departments OF the re-
spectve Governments, with which, l am
apprised by your letter. you are entirely famil-
lar An examination OF this correspondence
has doubtless satisfied you that in no case
have the rights or privileges OF American
fishermen been overlooked or neglected but
that on the contrary, they hare been
sedulously insisted upon and cared for ~
every meGns within the control OF the
executive bra-ch OF the Government. The act
OF Congress- approved Ma: 2, 1887, authorizing
q course Of retaliation through executive aetlon,
in the event OF a continuance on the part OF tne
British American authorities OF unfriendly con-
duet and treaty violations affecting American
fishermen, has devolved upon the President OF
the Vnited States exceedingly grave and solemn
responsibilities, coTprehendng highly impor-
tant consequences - rur national character and
dignity and involving extremely Esluabss COM
mercial Intercourse between the British pos
sessions OF North America and the people oI toe
United States.
l understand the main purpose OF your letter
Is 10 suggest that in case recourse TO the retaiia
tory measures authorized by this act should be
invited by uEiust treatment OF our fishermen in
the future, the object Of such retaliation might
be fully accomplished ~ prohibiting Canadian
caught fish from entry into the ports OF the
United States" The existing controversy is
one in which two nations arc the parties CON
va fn1i ton MI Al
act OF Congress is TO be enforced, not TO protect
solely any particular interest, however meri-
torious or valuable, but TO maintain the no.
tiona honor, and thus protect all our people. In
this view the violation Of American fishery
fights and Unjust and unfriendly acts toward
portion OF our citizens engaged in this eusi'
ness is but the occasion for action, a consC-
tutes national affront which gives oir 10 or
may Justify retaliation. This measure once re
sorted to, its effectiveness and value may well
depend upon the thoroughness and extent OF It's
application and in the performance OF inter
national duties, the enforcement OF fnterna
tional rights and the protection Of our citizens
this Government and the people OF the United
States must act as q unit-all intent upon at
tanning the best result OF retaliation ipOh the
basis Of q mainten ance OF national honor and
duty
nation seeking by any means 20 maintain
its honor dignity and integrity Is engaged In
protecting the rights OF its people; and II IN
such efforts particular interests are injured and
special advantages forfeited, theee things should
be patriot!cally borne for the public good An
immense volume OF population, nstuisoturers'
and agricultural productions, and the marine
tonnage and railways 70 which these have given
activity. all largely the result Of intercourse be-
tween the United States and British America,
and the natural growth Of full half century OF
good neighborhood and friendly communication,
oF md
incidental relations OF most impressive
magnitude l fully appreciate these things,
and am not unmindful Of the great
number OF our people who are
concerned in such vast and diversified interests.
In the performance Of the serious duty which
the Congress has imposed upon me- and in tie
exercise upon just occasion OF the power CON
ferred under the act referred 10, ! shall deem
myself bound to int1ict no unnecessary damage
or injury upon any portion OF our people but
shall, nevertheless, be untiinchingly guided by
o sense OF what the self-respect aud dignity OF
the Nation demands. In the maintenance OF
these, and IN the support OF the honor OF the
Government beneath which every citizen may
repose in safety, no sacrifice OF personal or prl-
vate interests shall be considered as against the
general welfare. Yours very truly,
GROVER CLEVELAND.
NEW ENGLAND EXCITED
GLOUCESTER, Mass, April 9.-The firing
upon an American schooner by the cruiser
Wig liant has aroused Gloucester, and there
is renewed demand for non-inter-
course. President Steele, of the Amer
lean Fishery Union, said he hoped yes
sells would be seized if caught within
the three-mle limit What we want"
said he. lis non-intercourse. Let our
| vessels stay away from Canadian shores
altoge her We don't want their bait. Ne
have vessel fitting away here to-day that
Will take traps TO Bar Harbor and that
! locality and catch their own bait. That is
what we want all the fishermen TO do
pat roniBe home industries aud encourage
! them" The universal sentiment is nom
intercourse and departing shippers are
warned to keep away from Canada.
Alleged Election Frauds.